IN THE BEGINNING…
In 2007 I made the transition from electrical to audio video. With 6 years experience as an electrician, it was a very tough decision, especially with a wife a 2 kids at home, to make the move from a large home builder to self employment. I made the move and am glad I did! I came into the Audio Video industry as a contractor for Circuit City’s Firedog. I started with one store in Mansfield, very quickly I was installing for the Canton location. Also in a short time I was installing for St. Clairsville, as well as driving to Columbus occasionally for work. By the end of 2007 I had 4 locations, Mansfield, Canton, St. Clairsville, and Stuebenville. I also was covering 6-7 Cleveland stores for a few months because of installer issues. Mid 2008 I added Niles and Boardman stores to my list. By end of 2008, after the shutdown of several local stores, I was also covering the remaining Cleveland store. On Jan 17th the dreaded news came, noone bought Circuit City and they would be shutting down. The same night we received emails from Circuit City stating tomorrow, Jan 18th, was our last day for installation. As you can imagine we didn’t know what to do. The stores in Niles, Boardman, Stuebenville, and St. Clairsville, as were the others, were dissappointed that they finally found an installer they were confident in.
THE BIG DECISION……..
Do I attempt to stay self employed or go back to work for someone? In a declining economy neither was a great option. With the Audio Video Installation industry being a “luxury” item, it was first to be cut out of budgets. Well lucky for me I take great pride in my work, and everyone I have done work for has seen this. I was able to get the Circuit City stores to refer me for installation in their final days. Also I had my customer referrals, that have continued to call, as well as return customers. I was able to pick up a contract for a large retailer early 2009 that has provided enough work to get by. They did help me get through 2009 as well as many referrals. Thank you!! So my decision didn’t come very hard. I had complete faith in my work and business that I knew I could succeed. I have survived the “terrible” 2009, and have expansion plans for 2010.
WHERE ARE WE NOW??
YES, I am still in the business. So far in 2010, I have picked up 2 other large retailers. I am currently in the process of starting in to the Digital Signage business, and Home and Small Business networking. If you are a current or past customer of Sight N Sound, I would like to thank you for, much appreciated, business, as well as any referrals. Please visit our Facebook, become a fan, and leave a review, which will available soon on our site. I have recently updated my website, and am in the process getting everything setup. Please check back often for new updates.